In the Cape Town CBD, the modern office is where workers enjoy flexible, design-led interiors that are life-enhancing. In this fast-growing commercial, retail and hospitality hub, id.work is making its mark.
Workplaces today need to feel intentional, says Dani Carr. “They must support focus but also encourage interaction.” Carr is Business Development and Account Manager of id.work’s new office in the Cape Town inner city.
Founded over five years ago in Johannesburg by Broll Property Group, the company provided corporate tenants with an interior design-and-build solution, covering everything from workplace strategy and design to a full turnkey delivery. Today the company specialises in creating high-performing commercial environments aligned to a client’s brand, culture and operational needs.
While Jozi still delivers, the lure to set up shop in Cape Town, with its vibrant property development sector and existing, characterful buildings, was irresistible. “It’s a hub for design-driven development and lifestyle-oriented workplaces,” she explains. “There’s a lot of action here – from refurbishments to adaptive re-use and upgrades of buildings to the rise of mixed-use developments. The team is keen to establish our footprint in Cape Town.”
As a fully integrated design and build partner, id.work takes ownership of cost, programme and quality, ensuring a seamless experience from concept to completion. Key words are “real budgets and timelines” and “strong cost control”.
It’s important for the commercial spaces they create to have an indigenous feel inspired by local design. This opportunity, of drawing on South Africa’ diversity in design, is very rewarding says id.work general manager Tandi Jacobs.
LOBBIES THAT RESEMBLE LOUNGES
One of their first commissions is the slick, sophisticated upgrade of the lobby of 14 Long, one of Boxwood Property Development Fund’s commercial buildings in Long Street.
“A lobby is the first interaction a person has with a building, it sets the tone and communicates the building’s identity,” says Jacobs. “A well-designed lobby creates confidence, elevates perception and adds value to the building … in many ways, it’s the building’s handshake.”
At 14 Long, id.work has ensured the lobby has aesthetic impact, is functional and comfortable, aligns to the Boxwood brand and is curated with high-traffic materials … but not cluttered.
Like office spaces, future-facing lobbies have flexible furniture layouts, warm lighting, and layered textures. They could resemble a lounge and even have an integrated coffee bar.
ATTENTION TO DETAIL
Whether it’s a lobby, co-working space or office environment, id.work sensitively blends corporate culture, identity and location to produce a workplace identity.
Attention to detail is key, with a hands-on, transparent approach to a seamless disciplined delivery incorporating a myriad of services from technical work like municipal submissions to fire compliance and change management.
Says Jacobs: “Change management is an integral part of our work; it’s crucial to engage with a client’s employees very early on in the process so that they feel heard and we get their buy-in.”
Basically, it’s all about listening closely to clients’ needs, understanding expectations, and translating global trends into smart, design-forward solutions that resonate locally.
Like lobbies, great workspaces start with intent and end with inclusive design. Says Carr: “We don’t just design beautiful spaces, we deliver functional, buildable and commercially viable workplaces that support business growth.”
THE ROLE OF THE OFFICE
Since the big office shake-up of 2020, people’s expectations of an enabling workplace have shifted and matured. While businesses still use design to lure people back to work full-time, they also see it as a way of building trust.
According to Oktra, the UK’s leading office design and build company, a “well-designed office gives people confidence in their environment, control over how they work, and a clear understanding of what different spaces are for”.
Here are 5 noteworthy trends, according to id.work
1. Every space needs to have a purpose allowing people to collaborate and connect.
2. Sustainability and employee wellbeing go hand-in hand.
3. Shared spaces are becoming more purposeful, with teams asking for greater autonomy.
4. Providing a superior workplace has become important in luring new talent to an organisation. “It’s more important than ever before to create a space that brings out the best in people,” says id.work’s Jacobs.
5. Technology, including AI, will enhance office design rather than replace it. “People still want to feel special. Design touches emotions, which makes it special.”
IMAGES: id.work, CCID